While visiting Naha in Okinawa, I took the opportunity to visit the Shuri-jo (首里城) Castle Park. It is one of those must see things if you visit the island. The castle sits on a hill and has a splendid view of the Pacific ocean. Because of WW2 and the bombardments on Okinawa, every thing was destroyed. What there is today is a reconstruction of the original castle and the adjoining buildings and gates. Arriving from Kyoto one can see that this place is quite different in culture and customs. It’s a bit more exotic like for example the Philippines or Indonesia, but with a Japanese flavour. All the tech specs are here and its truly Nippon. Reading about the Ryukyu kingdom, its history and peoples one can visualise how things where some 500 years ago. Shuri castle is staffed by women dressed as court attendants and men dressed as traditional Ryukyu courtiers. The woman dresses are very colourful and if you like there is an opportunity to have your picture taken with them. There is a fee for that though. The park is very spacious and there are many things to see, such as the museum and the Kings throne and quarters.
AloJapan.com